18 Degrees is where the sun stands just below the horizon at daybreak. It’s more dark than light in that moment, and hard to see the way forward. At 18 Degrees - formerly Berkshire Children and Families - it’s our mission and privilege to meet people at that point, with the promise that for them, for all of us, the light will grow from the start of each new day. 18 Degrees promotes the well-being of children and the strength of families to build better communities in Western Massachusetts. We provide education, parenting skills and support, prevention and intervention, advocacy, and life skills across a spectrum of program serving young people, adults, and families in four areas: early education and care; foster care and adoption; child and family well-being; youth and community development.